Early Times Report
KATHUA, May 25: Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas chaired a meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) on the National Tobacco Control Programme in the DC Office complex. The meeting focused on the enforcement of The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA, 2003) and the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).
During the meeting, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rakesh Magotra provided information about the roles and responsibilities of DLCC members under NTCP. The Divisional Coordinator of NTCP, Shiveta Raina, discussed the prevailing tobacco usage scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and explained the provisions of COTPA-2003 and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
Key provisions of COTPA-2003, such as smoking prohibition in public places, advertisement restrictions, sale restrictions to minors, and regulation of tobacco trade and commerce, were discussed. Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas stressed the importance of active participation from all stakeholders in enforcing COTPA-2003 and raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use, especially among youth.
To reduce tobacco usage, the DC called for strict enforcement measures and regular activities.
The Chief Education Officer of Kathua was urged to include awareness messages on tobacco's ill effects during morning assemblies by organizing competitions like Poster Making. Additionally, strict vigilance was requested near educational institutions to ensure no tobacco products are sold within a 100-yard radius.
Furthermore, all government offices and establishments were instructed to be declared as No Smoking Zones and enforce the regulations accordingly.
Following the meeting, enforcement squads conducted random inspections at various hotspots in the district, sensitizing the public and issuing on-spot challans to violators of COTPA-2003.
The clear message conveyed was that infringements will not be tolerated and will be met with strong enforcement measures. |
